Consumers on Connecticut's healthcare exchange will have an extra week to enroll in insurance plans with either Anthem or ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., exchange leaders announced Thursday.

The exchange, known as Access Health CT, has extended the open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1, to Dec. 22 instead of Dec. 15, said AHCT CEO Jim Wadleigh. Coverage begins Jan. 1, once consumers make their first premium payment.

Both Anthem and ConnecticCare Benefits Inc. have renewed their participation for the 2018 calendar year.

AHCT also has upgraded its website to help consumers estimate insurance costs. This week, the organization also announced it is opening 10 new enrollment locations where consumers can get free help with enrollment.